Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi celebrating International Literacy Day with learners in Motswedi village, near Zeerust/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi calls on districts to ensure that, schools continue to celebrate International Literacy Day. Motsumi joined the world in celebrating International Literacy Day held at Motswedi Community Hall, in Motswedi village, outside Zeerust on Friday.

She said the International Literacy Day was held under the theme: “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies.” About 250 people which consisted of parents and learners from Motswedi village, attended the provincial event to celebrate International Literacy Day.

“Learners were given an opportunity to present poems, short stories, and their reading skills. The idea of International Literacy Day was first mentioned at the World Conference of Ministers of Education in 1965. The conference served as a fertile ground for the germination of the idea of a special day dedicated to promoting literacy on a global scale.

“UNESCO indicated that, literacy is a cause for celebration since there are now close to four billion literate people in the world. However, literacy for all children, youth, and adults is still an unaccomplished goal and an ever-moving target,” said Motsumi.

She further urged all four districts to celebrate International Literacy Day for the whole of September month. Motsumi added that, this exercise will encourage and strengthen the culture of reading amongst learners.

“It is our role as government to ensure that, we eradicate the scores of illiteracy through the provision of quality education. There are so many advantages associated with literacy and it is a human rights issue in our country. The constitution emphasises that every learner has a right to education.

“In protecting this right to education, our teachers and departmental officials will continue to support learners to be better individuals in the future. For the month of September, learners will be told about the history, importance, and purpose of celebrating,” she said.

Motsumi said learners will be encouraged to participate in storybooks, poems, individual reading, etc.

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